Anii in Benin

Anii
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Anii
Country: Benin
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 52,000
World Population: 72,000
Primary Language: Anii
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 2.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Guinean
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Anii language has quite a number of dialects, and each village may speak its own dialect. There may be difficulty in understanding between these dialects. According to the Ethnologue, individuals in the Anii tribe may also speak French, Southern Nago, Tem, and perhaps Akaselem.

Benin has the largest population of Anii people, but there is also a sizable minority in Togo. There are about 18 villages of Anii in Benin, and four in Togo. Many of the villages developed somewhat in isolation from each other, hence the difficulties of understanding the different dialects. The Anii people are said to be rather diverse, not only in language and dialect.

Where Are they Located?

In Benin, Basilla is the largest city occupied by the Anii, and is near the border with Togo. In Togo, Balanka, Kouloumi, Nandjoubi, and Afem are the Anii villages.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Anii are Muslim. Churches in the area are said to not include people from the Anii tribe.

What Are Their Needs?

Scripture is not available in the Anii language, although it is available in some of the other languages spoken by the Anii. Please pray for availability of scripture, and for other resources such as the Jesus film. Gospel recordings are available in Anii.

Prayer Points

Pray for evangelists and church planters to be sent to the Anii, in both Benin and Togo.
Pray the Lord will prepare hearts to understand and believe.
Pray these new believers will become zealous disciples of Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project